Not a Typical Future Teenager?

July 3, 2016

I used to journal…a lot. But sadly, life got in the way and it fell off my priority list. Perhaps, that is one of the reasons for blogging. That said, I still have a ton of entries that transport me back to so many vivid memories with my kids. For instance, I was reviewing one entry I made on April 2, 2010. My oldest, “Cupcake”, was 8. Take a read:

Today was a beautiful day. Spring is finally showing up and it was a balmy 13 C today. Though it was a little windy, we decided to go for a walk as a family. It was nice. The girls love to run and we had to remind them on several occasions that their brother liked to walk with them, but just can’t go very fast.

On the latter part of the walk, “Cupcake” and I, holding hands, were walking a bit ahead of the others. We were talking about all sorts of things. I had mentioned that in a few short years, she probably wouldn’t want to hold my hand, save it be, wanting me around at all. She asked why.

In my feeble way, I explained how most teenagers act towards their parents. She couldn’t understand. She said, “How could teenagers not want to be around their parents or not want their advice or stuff like that? They are the ones that raised them their whole lives. They gave them food, clothes, and a bed…why, Daddy?” I was beside myself. She is very intuitive for an eight-year-old. I explained as many kids grow into their teenage years, they want to become independent, make their own choices, and become their own person. They often feel they don’t need advice or to be told what to do by some “old fashioned” parent.

Cupake replied, “I don’t ever want to grow up like that.” Then the following exchange took place:

Rob: “So, you’ll always love to have Mom and Dad around?”

Cupcake: “ Ya.”

Rob: “And you’ll always be open to taking our advice?”

Cupcake: “Ya.”

Rob: “And you’ll do what you’re told if it’s really important?”

Cupcake: “Ya.”

Well, if Cupcake accomplishes this goal, she will break the teenage stereo-type that has been around since the beginning of time. I just had to write this down so I could remind her one day. Not that I have lack of faith, but I think it will be fun to review this little entry one day…not that I’ll ever need too (wink, wink).

She is now 14. Yes, she has been a teenager for some time. A roller coaster of hormones and facial expressions that could raise the finest hair on any neck. We’ve had so many in depth conversations about so many pubescent topics. Many more challenging than others. And, when things have gotten tense, I have brought up this journal entry. If anything, besides her rolling her eyes and saying, “Oh, Dad!”, it completely diffuses the situation and grounds us. I can’t complain about her, in the least. She is growing so fast and is a fine young woman. Time escapes us. I am so grateful I did record a few gems to remind me of some choice moments.